Dec 28 2007
The New Santa Ria — “Shave Your Head For A Good Time”
One of the things I still find most disconcerting about the Philippines, despite all the fun I've had here of late, is how many of the odd things they've retained from their 300 years under colonial rule by the Spaniards.
The counting in Spanish is cool. The language peppered with Spanish phrases I can somewhat understand from my years in Miami (a.k.a. 'Northern South American') is great But why the fuck did they have to keep Santa Ria (or at least some form of it).
There is such a strong 'religious witchcraft' culture in this country — and on Siargao Island, in particular — that it's not even funny. And at times, it's just downright creepy.
Regardless, I'm starting to think there may be something to it. No, I've not seen any shape-shifters here (as many claim to be and/or have seen). Nor have I seen any ghosts, ghouls, or zombies (again, as many claim exist here).
However, it's more than just a bit coincidental that I started enjoying this place right after I shaved my head.
Yes, in case I haven't mentioned that before, due to the heat, the bugs, the unkempt hair, and my general distrust of anyone here holding scissors close to my hear, I shaved my head.
It feels great. I did get a bit of a sunburn those first couple days. But all in all, I'm glad I did it (although I am also glad to see the hair coming back in … how long that keeps up is a question to be answered by genetics tho, right Mikey?).
And yes Manny, I do have pictures (well, some at least, since I've lost my camera's USB cord). I'll try to upload the rest of the pics from the trip during my 2 day stay back in Singapore.
And I'm starting to think there may be at least a few good things about this whole witchcraft thing, tho. Look, I also learned how to levitate a surfboard over my head!
